On Monday, Universal announced that they would soon be closing the Dragon Challenge coasters for an all-new Harry Potter experience that will open in 2019.

You didn’t really think Universal was going to take all of the announcements for Walt Disney World from the D23 Expo laying down, did you?

On Monday, Universal announced that they would soon be closing the Dragon Challenge coasters for an all-new Harry Potter experience that will open in 2019.

From the Universal Parks Blog:

This all-new thrill ride will take you deeper into J.K. Rowling’s Wizarding World, where you will encounter some of your favorite characters and creatures. It’ll be unlike anything we’ve ever done before and it will be fun for the entire family.

The new attraction will be one of the most highly-themed coaster experiences we’ve created. It will combine a new level of storytelling with an action-packed adventure…and a few surprises along the way.

Our award-winning Universal Creative team is once again collaborating with Warner Bros. and the production design team from the Harry Potter films to bring this new coaster experience to life.

This ride is going to redefine the category and transport you to thrilling places, drawing you into even more exciting adventures within the wizarding world. It’s going to be the perfect addition to Hogsmeade.

Dragon Challenge (Dueling Dragons, for all of the old-school IOA fanboys out there) will have its final day of operation on Monday, September 4th.

If you would like to get to Orlando for one last ride…or plan a trip to Universal to be one of the first to ride this new attraction in 2019, email as at LisaLoveLiveVacation@gmail.com to get the planning started!

Skipper’s Take: Ever since they took the “dueling” out of Dragon Challenge, I’ve been ready to see something take it’s place. As to what this new experience might be…I’m not saying anything…but your could always watch this clip if you’ve got a few minutes…